Breathing guidance apparatus for delivery rooms

ABSTRACT

A system to prompt a subject to consciously alter one or more physiological parameters during childbirth-related contractions includes an imaging subsystem, a contraction sensor, and various computer program modules. The computer program module are configured to determine a physiological parameter, contraction information, a target action rate, and cues based thereon. The physiological parameter may include a breathing rate. The target action rate may include a target breathing rate. The cues may include breathing cues.

This present disclosure pertains to providing cues to a subject, and inparticular, in accordance with a breathing regime associated with laborcontractions.

It is known that breathing regimes associated with labor contractions(e.g., Lamaze breathing) may be used by expectant mothers duringchildbirth to reduce pain and/or improve relaxation and/or comfort.These breathing regimes are typically associated with laborcontractions. For example, at the onset of a labor contraction, thebreathing regime may temporarily shift from a slow breathing rate to amore rapid breathing rate. During labor and/or in-between contractions,an expectant mother may need assistance to help conform her breathingrate and/or breathing pattern to an appropriate breathing regime.

Accordingly, an aspect of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure to provide a system configured to prompt a subject toconsciously alter one or more physiological parameters duringchildbirth-related contractions. The system comprises an imagingsubsystem configured to generate image information related to visualimages of the subject during childbirth-related contractions; acontraction sensor configured to generate contraction signals conveyinginformation related to contractions of the subject; a user interface; aparameter determination module configured to determine a physiologicalparameter of the subject based on the generated image information; acontraction detection module configured to determine contractioninformation based on the generated contraction signals from thecontraction sensor; a target action module configured to determine cuesfor the subject based on the physiological parameter and the contractioninformation, wherein the cues prompt the subject to modulate one or morephysiological parameters in coordination with the contractions of thesubject; and a user interface module configured to communicate the cuesto the subject via the user interface.

It is yet another aspect of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure to provide a method for prompting a subject to consciouslyalter one or more physiological parameters during childbirth-relatedcontractions. The method comprises capturing image information relatedto visual images of the subject during childbirth-related contractions;determining a physiological parameter of the subject based on thecaptured image information; generating contraction signals conveyinginformation related to contractions of the subject; determiningcontraction information based on the generated contraction signals;determining cues for the subject based on the physiological parameterand the contraction information, wherein the cues prompt the subject tomodulate one or more physiological parameters in coordination with thecontractions of the subject; and communicating the cues to the subject.

It is yet another aspect of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure to provide a system configured for prompting a subject toconsciously alter one or more physiological parameters duringchildbirth-related contractions. The system comprises means forcapturing image information related to visual images of the subjectduring childbirth-related contractions; means for determining aphysiological parameter of the subject based on the captured imageinformation; means for generating contraction signals conveyinginformation related to contractions of the subject; means fordetermining contraction information based on the generated contractionsignals; means for determining cues for the subject based on thephysiological parameter and the contraction information, wherein thecues prompt the subject to modulate one or more physiological parametersin coordination with the contractions of the subject; and means forcommunicating the cues to the subject.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the presentinvention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structure and the combination of parts and economiesof manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to prompt a subject toconsciously alter one or more physiological parameters duringchildbirth-related contractions, in accordance with one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram that corresponds to the provision ofbreathing cues in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of prompting a subject to consciously alterone or more physiological parameters during childbirth-relatedcontractions, according to one or more embodiments.

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As usedherein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled”shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directlyor indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts orcomponents, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled”means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As usedherein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components arecoupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientationrelative to each other.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as asingle piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that arecreated separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body. As employed herein, the statement that twoor more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that theparts exert a force against one another either directly or through oneor more intermediate parts or components. As employed herein, the term“number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., aplurality).

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, back, andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 configured to prompt a subject 12 (i.e.an expectant mother) to consciously alter one or more physiologicalparameters during childbirth-related contractions, in accordance withone or more embodiments. System 10 may include one or more of an imagingsubsystem 15, electronic storage 16, a user interface 18, a contractionsensor 23, one or more physiological sensors 21, a processor 22, and/orother components.

Imaging subsystem 15 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may be configured to captureimage information related to visual images of subject 12 duringchildbirth-related contractions. Imaging subsystem 15 may comprise oneor more of an imaging sensor (not shown), one or more optical elements(e.g., a lens, a mirror, a filter, and/or other elements), a powersupply, and/or other components. Imaging subsystem 15 is configured tooutput image information that is processed to derive still and/or videoimages. Imaging subsystem 15 may operate without making physical contactwith subject 12, i.e. in a contact-free manner. The captured imageinformation may be used to determine one or more physiologicalparameters of subject 12. For example, the one or more physiologicalparameters may include one or more breathing parameters (e.g., breathingrate, tidal volume, and/or other parameters), one or more parameters ofthe contractions (e.g., frequency, duration, intensity, and/or otherparameters), one or more cardiovascular parameters (e.g., pulse, pulseshape, blood pressure, and/or other parameters), and/or otherphysiological parameters of subject 12.

Contraction sensor 23 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may be configured togenerate contraction signals conveying information related tocontractions of subject 12. From such information, one or moreparameters of the contractions may be derived. Such parameters mayinclude, without limitation, frequency, duration, intensity, severity,onset, peak, end, and/or other parameters. As was mentioned above, insome embodiments, functionality attributed herein to contraction sensor23 may be provided by imaging subsystem 15. In such embodiments,contraction sensor 23 may operate without making physical contact withsubject 12, i.e. in a contact-free manner In some embodiments, thecontraction signals may convey information used to derive an intensityand/or severity level of the contraction, e.g. using threshold levels,percentages, and/or other indicators of severity or intensity of acontraction.

Contraction sensor 23 of system 10 may be part of a contraction monitor.Typically, a contraction monitor is configured to monitor andcommunicate one or more of the frequency, magnitude, and pattern ofcontractions during labor. For example, the contraction monitor maymonitor and communicate the beginning/onset of a contraction and the endof the contraction such that the length and pattern of contractions maybe calculated. The contraction monitor may include a fetal monitor thatmonitors the fetus's heart rate. The contraction monitor may be any typeof sensor that monitors the labor contractions and outputs signalsassociated with the labor contractions. Furthermore, the contractionmonitor may be external or internal and may communicate output signalsvia signal cables or wirelessly (e.g., IrDA, RFID (Radio FrequencyIdentification), Wireless USB). For example, the contraction monitor mayinclude pressure transducers or strain gauges held against subject 12'sabdomen by an elastic belt placed around subject 12's waist. Contractionmonitor may comprise internal catheters inserted into the uterus tomeasure changes in the amniotic fluid pressure in the amniotic sac.Alternatively or additionally, the contraction monitor may include afiber optic strain sensor that generates signals in response to laborcontractions and wirelessly communicates the output signals via atransceiver. Various attachment mechanisms, if needed, may be used toattach a contraction monitor to subject 12, such as, for example, anelastic band, a belt, and/or adhesive materials. Any function or featureattributed herein to a contraction monitor may be incorporated and/orincluded in system 10 in general, and, in particular, to contractionsensor 23 of system 10.

Electronic storage 16 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may comprise electronicstorage media that electronically stores information. The electronicallystorage media of electronic storage 16 may include one or both of systemstorage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable)with system 10 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable tosystem 10 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port,etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 16 mayinclude one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., opticaldisks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape,magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-basedstorage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media(e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storagemedia. Electronic storage 16 may store software algorithms, informationdetermined by processor 22, information received via user interface 18,and/or other information that enables system 10 to function properly.Electronic storage 16 may be (in whole or in part) a separate componentwithin system 10, or electronic storage 16 may be provided (in whole orin part) integrally with one or more other components of system 10(e.g., user interface 18, processor 22, etc.).

User interface 18 is configured to provide an interface between system10, subject 12, and/or a user 108 (such as, e.g., a healthcare provideror caregiver) through which information may be provided to and receivedfrom system 10, subject 12, and/or user 108. This enables data, results,and/or instructions and any other communicable items, collectivelyreferred to as “information,” to be communicated between, e.g., subject12 and one or more of electronic storage 16, and/or processor 22.Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in user interface18 include a keypad, buttons, switches, a keyboard, knobs, levers, adisplay screen, a touch screen, speakers, a microphone, an indicatorlight, an audible alarm, a printer, haptic technology, tactile feedbacksystems, and/or other interface devices. Information from user interface18 may be provided to the user by auditory means, visual means, tactilemeans, and/or via some other sensory feedback. In one embodiment, userinterface 18 includes a plurality of separate interfaces. In oneembodiment, user interface 18 includes at least one interface that isprovided integrally with system 10.

It is to be understood that other communication techniques, eitherhard-wired or wireless, are also contemplated to be used as userinterface 18. For example, the present disclosure contemplates that userinterface 18 may be integrated with a removable storage interfaceprovided by electronic storage 16. In this example, information may beloaded into system 10 from removable storage (e.g., a smart card, aflash drive, a removable disk, etc.) that enables the user(s) tocustomize the implementation of system 10. Other exemplary input devicesand techniques adapted for use with system 10 as user interface 18include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port, RF link, an IR link,modem (telephone, cable or other). In short, any technique forcommunicating information with system 10 is contemplated to be used asuser interface 18.

One or more physiological sensors 21 may be configured to sensephysiological parameters of, e.g., subject 12. For example, sensors 21may include a pulse oximeter configured to monitor the oxygen saturationof a patient's blood. Sensors 21 may also include a cardiac monitor tomonitor, for example, subject 12's cardiac rhythm and/or heart ratevariability. Some or all of these physiological parameters may be basedon captured image information, from, e.g., imaging subsystem 15, relatedto visual images of subject 12. It should be appreciated that thesensors 21 may also include other types of sensors and/or anycombination and number thereof.

One or more processors 22 are configured to provide informationprocessing capabilities in system 10. As such, processor 22 may includeone or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digitalcircuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed toprocess information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms forelectronically processing information. Although processor 22 is shown inFIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. Insome implementations, processor 22 may include a plurality of processingunits. These processing units may be physically located within the samedevice, or processor 22 may represent processing functionality of aplurality of devices operating in coordination.

As is shown in FIG. 1, processor 22 may be configured to execute one ormore computer program modules. The one or more computer program modulesmay include one or more of a parameter determination module 32, abreathing detection module 34, a contraction detection module 36, atarget action module 38, an interface module 40, and/or other modules.Processor 22 may be configured to execute modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and/or40 by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software,hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuringprocessing capabilities on processor 22.

It should be appreciated that although modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processingunit, in implementations in which processor 22 includes multipleprocessing units, one or more of modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and/or 40 maybe located remotely from the other modules. The description of thefunctionality provided by the different modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and/or40 described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended tobe limiting, as any of modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and/or 40 may providemore or less functionality than is described. For example, one or moreof modules 32, 34, 36, 38, and/or 40 may be eliminated, and some or allof its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules 32, 34,36, 38, and/or 40. As another example, processor 22 may be configured toexecute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all ofthe functionality attributed below to one of modules 32, 34, 36, 38,and/or 40.

Parameter determination module 32 of system 10 in FIG. 1 may beconfigured to determine one or more physiological parameters (including,e.g., breathing parameters) of subject 12 from, e.g., the one or moreoutput signals generated by imaging subsystem 15 and/or one or morephysiological sensors 21. In some embodiments, the one or moredetermined physiological parameters may pertain to a physical actionand/or movement performed by subject 12, such as, e.g., physical motionpatterns that may improve relaxation. In some embodiments, the one ormore determined parameters may include a breathing parameter thatsubject 12 is prompted to consciously alter through the providedbreathing cues. In some embodiments, parameter determination module 32may include (access to) a timer in order to determine, e.g., theduration of inhalation and exhalation and/or the breathing rate.

Breathing detection module 34 of system 10 in FIG. 1 is configured todetermine a breathing rate of the subject. The determination ofbreathing detection module 34 may be based on the captured imageinformation from imaging subsystem 15. In some embodiments, breathingdetection module 34 may be configured to determine feedback related tothe breathing rate of the subject during previous contractions. By usingfeedback, system 10 can adapt to subject 12, and adjust, e.g., thetarget breathing rate accordingly.

Contraction detection module 36 is configured to determine contractioninformation. The determination of contraction information may be basedon the generated contraction signals from contraction sensor 23.Contraction information may include the onset, peak, intensity,severity, duration, end, and/or other parameters of a contraction.Contraction information may include information spanning multiplecontractions, such as frequency, and/or trending information.Contraction information may be transmitted and/or shared with othercomputer program modules of system 10. In some embodiments, futurecontractions may be anticipated based on past contractions.

Target action module 38 is configured to determine and/or obtain atarget action rate (which may include, e.g., a target breathing rate),which may be different than the current action and/or breathing rate ofsubject 12. The determination of the target action rate may be based onone or more of a current physiological parameter of subject 12, asdetermined, and the contraction information, and/or other information.For example, a target breathing rate may be determined based onphysiological parameters, including any of the physiological parametersdescribed herein in relation to imaging subsystem 15 and/or physiologicsensors 21. Target action module 38 is further configured to determinecues for the subject. The cues prompt the subject to modulate one ormore physiological parameters in coordination with (and/or in-between)the contractions of the subject, based on the target action rate. Insome embodiments, the target action rate includes a target breathingrate. In some embodiments, the cues include breathing cues. In someembodiments, a target breathing rate may be received from user 108(e.g., a caregiver, subject 12, etc.). The user may, e.g., input thetarget breathing rate via user interface 18. Inputting the targetbreathing rate may include inputting a new target breathing rate, oradjusting a previously obtained target breathing rate.

The target action rate may be determined and/or adjusted based on anycontraction information, physiological parameters (including, e.g.,breathing parameters), cardiovascular parameters, and/or otherinformation, including, e.g., the duration of the contractions and thestage of the contraction. The target action rate may be graduallyadjusted to accommodate a smooth transition in the physiologicalparameter of subject 12, as determined. In response, the cues may begradually adjusted correspondingly, to prompt subject 12 to change hercurrent action rate and/or physiological parameter to approximate thetarget action rate. In some embodiments, target action module 38 may useinformation regarding the onset of a new contraction, as received fromcontraction detection module 36, and base the cues on this receivedinformation. In some embodiments, the target action rate may be based on(and/or correspond to) the intensity level of the contraction. In someembodiments, anticipated future contractions may form the basis for thetarget action rate. In some embodiments, operation of target actionmodule 38 may be based, at least in part, of feedback received frombreathing detection module 34 related to previous contractions.

By way of illustration, FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram 200 thatcorresponds to the provision of breathing cues in accordance with one ormore embodiments. Graph 205 shown the intensity and/or severity (labeledc on the Y-axis, in a percentage ranging from 0% to 100%) ofcontractions over time (labeled t on the X-axis). The contractionintensity may be determined based on contraction signals fromcontraction sensor 23. Duration 206 coincides with the first contractionin FIG. 2. Duration 207 coincides with the second contraction in FIG. 2.Onset 206 a of the first contraction, as well as onset 207 a of thesecond contraction, may be determined by the contraction intensitybroaching a predetermined intensity threshold, such as, e.g., 5%, 8%,10%, and/or another percentage. The end of a contraction, e.g. 206 band/or 207 b, may be determined in a similar fashion. The peak of thefirst contraction is indicated by peak 210 a. The peak of the secondcontraction is indicated by peak 210 b. Duration 206 may be determinedby comparing onset 206 a with end of contraction 206 b. Contractiondetection module 36 may derive additional parameters from a measuredcontraction intensity graph such as graph 205. For example, suchparameters may include the time from one peak to the next peak, a trendin peak levels or contraction frequency, and/or other derivedparameters.

Diagram 200 includes intensity thresholds 220 a-220 e that maycorrespond to a target breathing rate r. As depicted in FIG. 2 as anexample, and by no means intended to be limiting, the target breathingfrequency during contraction intensity below 20% may be 0.2 Hz. Thetarget breathing frequency during contraction intensity above 80% may be1 Hz. Target action module 38 may adjust the target breathing rate, asdepicted in FIG. 2, corresponding to a change in contraction intensity.Responsive to a change in target breathing rate, the breathing cues maybe adjusted accordingly.

Interface module 40 of system 10 in FIG. 1 is configured to communicatethe cues to the subject via user interface 18. In some cases, subject 12may initially have difficulty determining what the provided cues areprompting subject 12 to do. The interface module 40 may be configured todynamically (e.g., adjusted or updated based on the cues) provideinformation to subject 12 related to the meaning of the cues provided tosubject 12. In one embodiment, interface module 40 controls userinterface 18 to communicate the information related to the cues tosubject 12. The information related to the cues may include, for theexample of breathing cues, instructions to begin exhaling, to endexhaling, to begin inhaling, to end inhaling, to breathe faster, tobreathe slower, to pause respiration, and/or to otherwise consciouslyalter one or more breathing parameters.

The information related to the cues may be provided to subject 12 byuser interface 18 in the form of, e.g., auditory signals, visualsignals, tactile signals, and/or other sensory signals. By way ofnon-limiting example, user interface 18 may include a radiation sourcecapable of emitting light. The radiation source may include, forexample, one or more of at least one LED, at least one light bulb, adisplay screen, and/or other sources. The interface module 40 maycontrol the radiation source to emit light in a manner that conveys tosubject 12 information related to the cues being provided to subject 12.For instance, the radiation source may emit light when the cues areprompting subject 12 to inhale, and may stop emitting light, or emitlight of a different color, when the cues are prompting subject 12 toexhale. The intensity of the light emitted by the radiation source mayconvey to subject 12 the magnitude of the flow that the breathing cuesare prompting subject 12 to generate during respiration.

A non-limiting example of the manner in which user interface 18 maycommunicate information about the cues to subject 12 is generatingsounds that are audible to subject 12. The interface module 40 maycontrol the element(s) to generate sounds that communicate to subject 12the meaning of the cues being delivered to subject 12. For instance,interface module 40 may control the element(s) to emit a “beep” or othershort burst of noise to indicate to subject 12 a transition betweeninhalation and exhalation, and/or that flow should be increased ordecreased. The interface module 40 may control the element(s) to playword messages that indicate to subject 12 the meaning of the cues. Theword messages may be prerecorded and stored within electronic storage16.

As another non-limiting example of the manner in which user interface 18may communicate information about the cues to subject 12, user interface18 may include one or more devices that contact subject 12 and providetactile feedback to subject 12. For instance, user interface 18 mayinclude a cuff that is worn by subject 12 around an extremity such as anarm, a leg, a finger, and/or other extremities. The cuff may carry oneor more sensors configured to detect a physiological parameter ofsubject 12, such as for example, pulse, pulse rate, respiratory effort,blood pressure, blood oxygenation, and/or other physiologicalparameters. The cuff may vibrate and/or tighten on the extremity ofsubject 12 to provide information about the cues to subject 12, such asa transition between inhalation and/or exhalation, or that flow shouldbe increased or decreased.

As another non-limiting example of the manner in which user interface 18may communicate information about the cues to subject 12, user interface18 may include a display screen that provides subject 12 with textconveying information about the cues.

In one embodiment, interface module 40 controls user interface 18 toprovide information about cues that are currently being delivered tosubject 12 and/or future cues.

Interface module 40 may also be configured to provide visual focal cuesfor subject 12 via the user interface 18. The visual focal cues mayinclude different color lights or displays of images, animations, orother visuals. Subject 12 may focus on these visual focal cues duringlabor. Interface module 40 may also provide relaxing music or othersounds (e.g., sounds associated with nature or other calming sounds) viauser interface 18. In some embodiments, interface module 40 may alsoprovide aromatherapy through user interface 18. Alternatively oradditionally, interface module 40 may also be configured to providemessages of encouragement via user interface 18. The timing or patternof these focal cues, music, messages, or aromatherapy may be determinedbased on information received from imaging subsystem 15, contractionsensor 23, and/or physiological sensors 21.

In some embodiments, interface module 40 may be configured to providerecommended body positions for subject 12 via user interface 18.Changing body positions at an interval (e.g., 30 minutes or any othertime periods) between contractions may improve comfort. Informationreceived may be used to determine the timing of the recommendations tochange body positions. For example, information received fromcontraction sensor 23 may be used to determine the time period betweencontractions when the recommendations should be provided.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for prompting a subject to consciouslyalter one or more physiological parameters during childbirth. Theoperations of method 300 are intended to be illustrative. In someembodiments, method 300 may be accomplished with one or more additionaloperations not described, and/or without one or more of the operationsdiscussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 300are illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below is not intended to belimiting. In some embodiments, method 300 may be implemented in a systemthat is similar to or the same as system 10 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above).

At an operation 302, image information is captured related to visualimages of a subject during childbirth-related contractions. In oneembodiment, step 302 is performed by an imaging subsystem that is thesame as or similar to imaging subsystem 15 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above).

At an operation 304, a physiological parameter is determined of thesubject based on the captured image information. In one embodiment, step304 is performed by a parameter determination module that is the same asor similar to parameter determination module 32 (shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above).

At an operation 306, contraction signals are generated that conveyinformation related to contractions of the subject. In one embodiment,step 306 is performed by a contraction sensor that is the same as orsimilar to contraction sensor 23 (shown in FIG. 1 and described above).

At an operation 308, contraction information is determined based on thegenerated contraction signals. In one embodiment, step 308 is performedby a contraction detection module that is the same as or similar tocontraction detection module 36 (shown in FIG. 1 and described above).

At an operation 310, a target action rate is determined for the subjectbased on the determined physiological parameter and the contractioninformation. In one embodiment, step 310 is performed by a target actionmodule that is the same as or similar to target action module 38 (shownin FIG. 1 and described above).

At an operation 312, cues are determined for the subject based on thetarget action rate, wherein the cues prompt the subject to modulate oneor more physiological parameters in coordination with the contractions.In one embodiment, step 312 is performed by a target action module thatis the same as or similar to target action module 38 (shown in FIG. 1and described above).

At an operation 314, the cues are communicated to the subject. In oneembodiment, step 314 is performed by an interface module that is thesame as or similar to interface module 40, operating in conjunction withuser interface 18 (shown in FIG. 1 and described above).

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall notbe construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including”does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than thoselisted in a claim. In a device claim enumerating several means, severalof these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. Theword “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of aplurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating severalmeans, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same itemof hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutuallydifferent dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannotbe used in combination.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

1. A system configured to prompt a subject to consciously alter one ormore physiological parameters during childbirth-related contractions,the system comprising: an imaging subsystem configured to capture imageinformation related to visual images of the subject duringchildbirth-related contractions; a contraction sensor configured togenerate contraction signals conveying information related tocontractions of the subject; a user interface; and one or moreprocessors configured to execute computer program modules, the computerprogram modules comprising: a parameter determination module configuredto determine a cardiovascular parameter of the subject based on thecaptured image information; a contraction detection module configured todetermine contraction information based on the generated contractionsignals from the contraction sensor; a target action module configuredto determine a target action rate based on the cardiovascular parameterand the contraction information, wherein the target action module isfurther configured to determine cues for the subject based on the targetaction rate, wherein the cues prompt the subject to modulate one or morephysiological parameters in coordination with the contractions of thesubject; and a user interface module configured to communicate the cuesto the subject via the user interface.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe determined physiological parameter includes a breathing rate of thesubject, wherein the target action rate includes a target breathingrate, and wherein the determined cues include breathing cues.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the user interface includes haptic stimulusto communicate the breathing cues to the subject.
 4. (canceled)
 5. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the contraction information includes anintensity level of the contractions of the subject, and wherein thetarget breathing rate corresponds to the intensity level of thecontractions of the subject.
 6. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising a breathing detection module configured to determine feedbackrelated to the breathing rate of the subject during previouscontractions, wherein the target action module is configured todetermine the target breathing rate for the subject further based on thedetermined feedback.
 7. A method for determining and communicating cuesto a subject to consciously alter one or more physiological parametersduring childbirth-related contractions, the method comprising: capturingimage information related to visual images of the subject duringchildbirth-related contractions; determining a cardiovascular parameterof the subject based on the captured image information; generatingcontraction signals conveying information related to contractions of thesubject; determining contraction information based on the generatedcontraction signals; determining a target action rate for the subjectbased on the cardiovascular parameter and the contraction information;determining cues for the subject based on the target action rate,wherein the cues prompt the subject to modulate one or morephysiological parameters in coordination with the contractions of thesubject; and communicating the cues to the subject.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the determined physiological parameter includes abreathing rate of the subject, wherein the target action rate includes atarget breathing rate, and wherein the determined cues include breathingcues.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the breathing cues includehaptic stimulus.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thecontraction information includes an intensity level of the contractionsof the subject, and wherein the target breathing rate corresponds to theintensity level of the contractions of the subject.
 12. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: determining feedback related to thebreathing rate of the subject during previous contractions, whereindetermining the target breathing rate for the subject is further basedon the determined feedback.
 13. A system configured for prompting asubject to consciously alter one or more physiological parameters duringchildbirth-related contractions, the system comprising: means forcapturing image information related to visual images of the subjectduring childbirth-related contractions; means for determining acardiovascular parameter of the subject based on the captured imageinformation; means for generating contraction signals conveyinginformation related to contractions of the subject; means fordetermining contraction information based on the generated contractionsignals; means for determining a target action rate for the subjectbased on the cardiovascular parameter and the contraction information;means for determining cues for the subject based on the target actionrate, wherein the cues prompt the subject to modulate one or morephysiological parameters in coordination with the contractions of thesubject; and means for communicating the cues to the subject.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the determined physiological parameterincludes a breathing rate of the subject, wherein the target action rateincludes a target breathing rate, and wherein the determined cuesinclude breathing cues.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein thebreathing cues include haptic stimulus.
 16. (canceled)
 17. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the contraction information includes an intensitylevel of the contractions of the subject, and wherein the targetbreathing rate corresponds to the intensity level of the contractions ofthe subject.
 18. The system of claim 14, further comprising: means fordetermining feedback related to the breathing rate of the subject duringprevious contractions, wherein operation of the means for determiningthe target breathing rate for the subject is further based on thedetermined feedback.